In all of the recipes I've received from Cuban people about Cuban bread do not included butter.
And I am pleased to hear someone else has heard of a cold oven start. I thought it was quite unique.
And the bread is not what I would call light and airy. I would say it is more dense and great for dipping in soups or fantastic toast too!
And of course great Cuban sandwiches, which are pressed in that hot iron sandwich maker!
I'm doing some today and will let you all know how this second batch turns out.

Stir together 1 1/3 cups flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. With mixer on low, add water and butter, and mix til blended. Raise speed to high and beat 3 ½ minutes. Stir in 2 1/3 cups more flour, enough to yield a kneadable dough. Working in the bowl, quickly knead in enough more flour to yield a firm, very elastic dough. Cover bowl with plastic and set in a warm spot for 15 minutes. Sprinkle a baking sheet with cornmeal. Punch down dough and divide in half. Shape into two ovals and place on baking sheet. Make 3-4 random diagonal slashes in tops with a sharp knife. Let rise uncovered in a warm place for 10 minutes. Spray the loaves with water. Place in a COLD oven; immediately set oven to 425. Place a pan of hot water on the oven floor. Several times during baking, spray with hot water. Bake for 29-34 minutes, til loaf tops are hard and lightly browned, and bottoms sound hollow when tapped. Cool on racks.

Marm,
the bread is in the oven and looks great. Can hardly wait to try it...Thanks for sharing your recipe...It was so easy and fast to do..What a joy...

I'm so jealous. I don't think I'll try the bread, I'm not much of a baker. But if you're making cuban sandwiches, but don't do it often enough to have a press for it, take two skillets, preferably rather heavy ones. Heat them both, then place the sandwich in one of the skillets and use the other to press the sandwich. It works best of the skillet you're using as a press is the hotter and heavier (i've burned a sandwich or two in my time!). Depending on how heavy your top skillet is (it needs to retain heat), you may have to turn the sandwich.

Claire, you should give this bread a shot - it is really easy - and who knows, it may open up a whole new interest for you!

Kadesma - how'd the bread turn out?

Marm,
the recipe makes two round loaves, I have half a loaf left It was great..I made toast with several pieces this morning and it tasted so good. I have a hard time with store bought breads, I can smell the additives they add and it makes it almost impossible for me to eat it. Thanks so much for an easy quick bread..I'll make it over and over.
kadesma